ome people discover their life’s calling in a classroom. For Karin Dillahey, it emerged through a series of homes scattered across the country. Here, on a quiet lane in Middletown, surrounded by historic stone walls, wild beach roses, and the distant cacophony of waves crashing against the rocks at nearby Pebble Beach, the Dillahey family home feels as though it has always belonged to the landscape. The quintessential farmhouse – with its welcoming wraparound porch, generous entertaining spaces, and understated elegance – is the culmination of years of creative exploration and a deep appreciation for coastal Rhode Island.
When Karin and BJ Dillahey purchased the 1.5-acre property in March 2020, it was little more than a former horse pasture. But Karin immediately saw something more. “I had the perfect Aquidneck Island canvas for my most exciting project to date,” she says. For Dillahey, the home represents more than a personal residence. It is the realization of a passion that eventually became her design firm,
KJO Design Co. Her path to interior design was anything but traditional. After arriving at Johnson & Wales University in 1999 with plans to play soccer and enjoy college life, she pursued a degree in marketing and launched a successful
career in the beverage industry. Yet creativity was always simmering beneath the surface.
Years later, a series of corporate relocations for her husband’s career would unexpectedly shape her future. In Lincoln, the couple built their first custom home. A move to St. Louis inspired another build. Atlanta followed, where Karin designed a striking brick Tudor nestled among towering tulip poplar trees. Upon returning to Rhode Island in 2017, the family undertook a complete renovation of a property in Newport’s Fifth Ward neighborhood. With every project, Dillahey’s passion for design deepened. By 2019, as the family searched for more space, she found herself fielding requests for design advice from friends and acquaintances. The timing felt right. As plans for the Middletown farmhouse began taking shape, Dillahey officially launched KJO Design Co. The home became both a family retreat and a showcase of her design philosophy.
Inspired by the property’s natural beauty, Dillahey kept the palette intentionally
restrained. Soft whites, warm creams, natural wood tones, leather, jute, and seagrass create a calm backdrop that allows texture to take center stage. Deep charcoal accents and earthy honed soapstone add contrast and sophistication
without disrupting the home’s relaxed atmosphere. “I wanted it to feel unlike anything else being done locally while still being comfortable, casual, and cool,” she explains. “I wanted it to embody coastal New England without being too literal.”
Throughout the home, thoughtful details elevate the design beyond the expected. In the living room, a dramatic custom fireplace anchors the space. Dillahey collaborated closely with Wakefield-based master plasterer Jason Howard of J.H. Home Improvement to create a statement hearth framed by understated inset bookshelves. Suspended overhead is an
oversized chandelier crafted from irregular lengths of white wood and wire – a sculptural focal point that manages to feel both rustic and refined. The kitchen showcases one of Dillahey’s favorite design decisions. Handmade Moroccan Zellige tile brings organic texture and character to the backsplash. Captivated by the imperfect edges of each tile, she made the unconventional decision to leave them ungrouted. “The edges were so beautiful and organic,” she says. “I didn’t want to take away from the character of each imperfect square.”
While every KJO Design Co project has its own personality, Dillahey acknowledges that Rhode Island’s coastline quietly influences all her work. Rather than relying on obvious nautical themes, she incorporates subtle references to place through texture, color, and carefully curated collections. That sense of authenticity is what ultimately defines the farmhouse. While the architecture feels timeless and the interiors effortlessly sophisticated, the home never takes itself too seriously. It is a place designed for gathering, storytelling, and everyday living. Much like the landscape that inspired it, the house balances beauty and comfort with ease – a reflection of both its coastal setting and the creative vision of the family who calls it home.
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
“Having one-of-a-kind pieces and remembering where each one came from helps create a home that feels authentic,” says Dillahey. Unexpected acquisitions add humor and personality, including a beloved photograph of Chewbacca surfing at Mackerel Cove – an unexpected accent discovered in a Jamestown liquor store.
Vintage items sourced from Facebook Marketplace contribute another layer of character. For Dillahey, the appeal extends beyond the objects themselves. “I find so much on Facebook marketplace while meeting great neighbors and learning their stories. Having one-of-a-kind items with a memory of thrifting each one really sets the tone for an inviting, locally inspired home,” Dillahey says.
In addition to larger-scale projects, Dillahey offers a single-room refresh service. The package includes a 45 minute site visit and a customized follow-up plan. Learn more at KJODesignCo.com
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